Comic Book Review: Night Trap #1

A cabin in the woods is something that a lot of people would love to use just to get away from the excesses of the world. From unplugging cable TV, the cellphone, and even the internet, a cabin is a wonderful way to unwind and get back to basics. Well, for some poor souls in Night Trap, what was supposed to be a weekend of relaxation and fun, has become what many fans of the horror genre would call “Open Season.” If you’re a fan of horror, whether it’s John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, or Wes Craven, this comic will bring a sinister smile to your face.

The beginning of [easyazon_link identifier=”B0125HTJUC” locale=”US” tag=”bounintocomi-20″]Night Trap #1[/easyazon_link] takes you a few months into the past to give you a vague idea of who the protagonist is. Ironically, he’s enjoying a good horror movie, and as he’s taking it in writer Cullen Bunn shows the self-made horror movie within his own world. It was interesting to read as the character reacts and interacts with the horror movie. However, in a dramatic turn of events everything is changed and Bunn takes us forward into the present where the fabled cabin in the woods is introduced to the reader.

Bunn does a good job at creating a natural flow for the protagonists throughout the issue. As the characters speak among themselves, and even to themselves, the manner and style is something that you would encounter if you were watching an old slasher flick. To me, that was a big plus as I’ve always been a fan of the genre. It was nice to see that style being brought into a comic book. Bunn also does a good job with some of the interactions between the supporting characters; they felt like people you would encounter in an everyday situation. Some of the elements were predictable, but it was done well enough where I didn’t mind.

JB Bastos provided the illustration for Night Trap #1, and it looks really beautiful. The graphic content looked good, as well as the normal interactions between the characters. As the panels went along the story was guided very well by Bastos’ illustrations. He brought a sharpness to the story with his skill. He made the world feel like something you would watch on an old VHS tape. The background environment was well done, and it set up the mood for the entire story for the reader. Robby Bevard colored this issue, and it felt that both JB and Robby worked well together. JB’s illustrations were really brought to life with Robby’s coloring. He does an excellent job at both the beginning and the end of the comic. The way the colors are used in this comic bring a real grim reality to each page. The violence felt fresh, real, and gory, which for fans of horror is extremely important.

The Verdict

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0125HTJUC” locale=”US” tag=”bounintocomi-20″]Night Trap #1[/easyazon_link] is a fun, enjoyable horror comic. If you’re into slasher archetypes, then this will definitely be worth your while. You’re dropped into a world that is very familiar, and yet mysterious as you watch it unfold before your eyes. You get a front seat to all of the action and mystery as well as a number of surprises as events unfold. A few of the events are predictable, but it doesn’t take away from the fun of the comic as a whole. Cullen Bunn does a good job writing, and the art duel of JB Bastos, and Robby Bevard bring you into a very vivid and dark world.

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Comic Book Review: Night Trap #1

Pros

The art is solid and adds to the enjoyment of the story

The familiar and dark environment creates a solid tone

The writing is fun, and firm

Cons

This feels like a retold story, which if you’re a fan of horror isn't’ all that bad

About The Author

Jorge Arenas is a Governmental Affairs Director working in the Southwest. If Starfleet were real his career would be in a much different place. Currently, he specializes in all things Star Trek. He loves DC but has a soft spot for Deadpool. When not writing you can find him on World of Warcraft. Battle.net, ID-PassStage6#1707